Date: December 18, 2024, 03:07h.
Last updated on: December 18, 2024, 03:07h.
Over 100 former members of the CIA and retired government intelligence officials signed a letter urging Richmond lawmakers to prevent a casino in Northern Virginia due to concerns about national security.
The CIA’s headquarters in Langley, VA, is close to the proposed Tysons casino site in Fairfax County.
The National Security Leaders for Fairfax warn that a casino in Tysons could attract organized crime and pose national security threats due to the sensitive information held by government employees in the region.
A letter from the group was sent to Virginia officials and signed by 109 former defense and national security agency personnel.
New Legislative Support
Virginia Sen. David Marsden has spearheaded efforts to allow a casino in Fairfax County. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell will take over the legislation next year.
The proposed casino bill would let Fairfax County residents decide on a gaming resort, with unions supporting the project despite opposition from local leaders.
Supporters of the casino argue it could bring new tax revenues to the region, especially after a decline in property taxes due to remote work policies.
The presence of major defense and intelligence contractors in Tysons and McClean raises concerns about national security risks posed by a nearby casino.
Security Concerns
The National Security Leaders of Fairfax highlight the risk to security clearances if federal employees engage in gambling activities causing financial distress.
Federal workers found to fund gambling through significant financial transactions risk losing their clearances.
Despite the opening of MGM National Harbor near Washington, D.C., concerns about federal employee gambling addiction remain.